In a recent government meeting, officials discussed the challenges and strategies surrounding the establishment of a new juvenile facility in Vermont. The initial plan to site the facility in Newberry was abandoned due to community concerns, despite a court ruling in favor of the state. Officials emphasized the importance of partnering with communities to ensure positive outcomes for all involved.

As the demand for capital funds continues to rise while available funding declines, the state is adopting a \"design, build, lease\" model to expedite the construction of the new facility. This approach allows for quicker development without the need to accumulate funds over time, which is critical given that the Department for Children and Families (DCF) currently lacks a state facility.

The selected site for the new facility is in Vergennes, where the state owns approximately 400 acres of land. Officials highlighted the community's supportive nature and the picturesque setting as ideal for a therapeutic environment. The facility will be constructed and owned by a private developer, ReArc, with the state leasing the building initially. The lease is set for 20 years, with options to extend and purchase the building at various intervals.

This innovative approach aims to address the urgent need for a juvenile facility while also managing budgetary impacts. Officials noted that similar arrangements have been successfully implemented in other locations, reinforcing confidence in this model. The meeting also underscored the importance of transparency and community engagement, with plans to utilize social media and dedicated project websites to combat misinformation and foster a collaborative relationship with local residents.